Siding moisture damage is rarely limited to what you can see. The outside of your house is supposed to keep water away from the framing and insulation, so stains, soft spots or warped boards on the exterior usually mean water has already found a way in. Here is how to recognize the problem, why it should not wait, and why vinyl siding is a common replacement.
How Siding Moisture Damage Affects Your Home and Family
Homeowners often underestimate what moisture can do. Water that gets behind the exterior material can damage wood framing, sheathing, drywall and insulation. It is easy to miss at first, and by the time it is discovered the damage can be widespread and expensive to repair.
Moisture can also affect your family’s health. Damp wall cavities allow mold to grow, and mold inside the house can trigger allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.
Signs to look for
On the outside, watch for boards that are warped, cracked, soft or rotting, paint that peels or blisters soon after it is applied, and green or black staining that keeps coming back. Inside, look for water stains, peeling paint or a musty smell on exterior walls.
Where the water comes from
Siding is not always the only cause. Overflowing gutters send water down the walls, so check whether your gutter system is clean and in good condition. Failed caulk and worn frames around old windows and doors are another common entry point. If the damage is concentrated around openings, new vinyl replacement windows or a properly sealed entry door may be part of the fix.
Why the Exterior Material May Need to Be Replaced
If the exterior has already been affected by moisture, the damage probably extends beneath the surface. Patching the visible area does not solve that.
To deal with it fully, a remodeling contractor removes the damaged outer covering, assesses how far the problem goes, replaces any sheathing, framing or insulation that has been affected, and then covers the wall with a material that will keep water out in the future.
How Vinyl Siding Protects a House From Moisture
Vinyl siding does not absorb water or rot. The panels are installed in an interlocking pattern, and small weep holes along the bottom edge let any water that gets behind a panel drain out instead of sitting against the wall.
Vinyl siding is also installed over other materials, such as a water-resistive barrier and flashing around openings, that work together to keep water away from the structure of the house.
Other benefits of vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is durable, long-lasting, affordable and attractive. Insulated versions can make a house more energy efficient, and new siding can dramatically improve curb appeal. For a fuller look, see our post on the benefits of vinyl siding. If you are thinking about resale, it is also worth reading why you should replace your windows before selling your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just repair the damaged section of siding?
Sometimes, if the damage is new and limited to a small area. The wall behind it should still be checked, because the visible damage is often smaller than the hidden damage.
Does vinyl siding cause moisture problems?
Vinyl siding itself does not hold water. Problems come from poor installation, missing flashing or water sources such as clogged gutters and leaking window frames. Those need to be corrected whatever material is on the walls.
How quickly should I act on moisture damage?
As soon as you notice it. Rot and mold spread while they are hidden, and repairs cost more the longer the water keeps getting in.
Next Step: Have Your Exterior Looked At
If your Connecticut home shows signs of moisture damage, do not wait for it to get worse. Have a qualified contractor inspect the walls and find the source of the water. If old windows or doors turn out to be letting water in, Aladdin Inc can help with replacements. Call (203) 776-9996 or contact us to request an estimate.